ADHESIVE TAMPER EVIDENT LABEL

Abstract

The present invention provides an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label or an adhesive tamper evident label support. The adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label comprises a frangible layer of a label comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the frangible layer comprises a plurality of layer portions located adjacent to each other and separable from each other by at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof. The adhesive tamper evident label support comprises a frangible support layer for receiving a label, the frangible support layer comprising an upper surface for receiving a label thereon, and an opposed lower surface, in which the frangible support layer comprises a plurality of support layer portions located adjacent to each other and separable from each other by at least one opening and/or line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the support layer. The adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label or the adhesive tamper evident label support further comprise an adhesive layer located in use on the lower surface of the frangible layer or frangible support layer and configured to adhere the frangible layer or frangible support layer to a contact surface. The frangible layer of the adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label or frangible support layer of the adhesive tamper evident label support is moveable between a first untampered position in which the layer portions or support layer portions provide a continuous surface extending across the upper surface thereof, and a second tampered position in which at least a pair of adjacent layer portions or support layer portions are separated from each other along the corresponding at least one opening and/or line of weakness.

Claims

1. An adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label or an adhesive tamper evident label support, in which the adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label comprises: a frangible layer of a label comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the frangible layer comprises a plurality of layer portions located adjacent to each other and separable from each other by at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof; or in which the adhesive tamper evident label support comprises: a frangible support layer for receiving a label, the frangible support layer comprising an upper surface for receiving a label thereon, and an opposed lower surface, in which the frangible support layer comprises a plurality of support layer portions located adjacent to each other and separable from each other by at least one opening and/or line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the support layer; and an adhesive layer located in use on the lower surface of the frangible layer or frangible support layer and configured to adhere the frangible layer or frangible support layer to a contact surface; in which the frangible layer of the adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label or frangible support layer of the adhesive tamper evident label support is moveable between a first untampered position in which the layer portions or support layer portions provide a continuous surface extending across the upper surface thereof, and a second tampered position in which at least a pair of adjacent layer portions or support layer portions are separated from each other along the corresponding at least one opening and/or line of weakness.

2. A tamper evident adhesive vehicle registration label as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a rear adhesive surface configured to adhere to a contact surface of a vehicle; an opposed, frangible front layer comprising one or more lines of weakness extending between adjacent portions of the frangible front layer; and an inner layer located between the rear adhesive surface and the front layer, in which the frangible front layer is configured in use such that unintended tampering with or removal of the label from the contact surface causes fragmentation and/or distortion of the frangible front layer along the one or more lines of weakness to provide a discontinuous front layer enabling at least a portion of the inner layer to be visible therethrough.

3. A tamper evident adhesive vehicle registration label as claimed in claim 2, in which the inner layer is a reflective and/or holographic inner layer.

4. A tamper evident adhesive vehicle registration label as claimed in either of claims 2 and 3, in which the one or more lines of weakness each comprise one or more openings, indentations and/or scored lines and/or perforated lines, or any combination thereof extending along at least a portion of the surface.

5. A tamper evident adhesive vehicle registration label as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the frangible front layer is composed of reflective and/or opaque material.

6. A kit for a tamper evident adhesive vehicle registration label as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, the kit comprising: a rear adhesive surface configured to adhere to a contact surface of a vehicle; an opposed, frangible front layer comprising one or more lines of weakness extending between adjacent portions of the frangible front layer; and an inner layer configured to be located between the rear adhesive surface and the front layer, in which the frangible front layer is configured in use such that unintended tampering with or removal of the label from the contact surface causes fragmentation and/or distortion of the frangible front layer along the one or more lines of weakness to provide a discontinuous front layer enabling at least a portion of the inner layer to be visible therethrough.

7. A method for manufacturing a tamper evident adhesive vehicle registration label as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, the method comprising: obtaining a rear adhesive surface configured to adhere to a contact surface; obtaining a frangible front layer configured to provide a decorative finish; obtaining an inner layer and locating the inner layer between the rear adhesive surface and the front layer; securing the inner layer in position between the rear surface and the frangible front layer, such that in use the frangible front layer is configured such that unintended tampering with or removal of the label from the contact surface causes fragmentation and/or distortion of the frangible front layer along the one or more lines of weakness to provide a discontinuous front layer enabling at least a portion of the inner layer to be visible therethrough.

8. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a frangible support layer comprising an upper surface for receiving a label thereon, and an opposed lower surface, in which the frangible support layer comprises a plurality of support layer portions located adjacent to each other and separable from each other by at least one opening and/or line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the support layer; and an adhesive layer configured to extend through the at least one opening and/or line of weakness to adhere the frangible support layer to a contact surface of an item; in which the frangible support layer is moveable between a first untampered position in which the support layer portions provide a continuous support layer extending across the upper surface thereof, and a second tampered position in which at least a pair of adjacent support layer portions are separated from each other along the corresponding at least one opening and/or line of weakness.

9. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in claim 8, in which the adhesive layer is located at or adjacent the upper surface of the support layer.

10. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in either of claims 8 and 9, in which the one or more lines of weakness comprise or more of: lines of indentations and/or perforations and/or openings and/or scored lines, or any combination thereof.

11. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a label configured to be contacted by the upper surface of the support layer.

12. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in claim 11, in which the label is selected from one or more of: a vehicle registration label; a food and/or beverage label; a medication label; a toiletries label; and/or a cosmetic product label.

13. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, in which the support comprises a support frame comprising the support layer, and at least one side portion extending outwardly therefrom.

14. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in claim 13, in which the support layer defines a perimeter edge substantially surrounding the lower surface and/or upper surface, and in which the at least one side portion is upstanding from or adjacent the perimeter edge of at least one of: the lower surface and/or upper surface of the support layer.

15. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in either of claims 13 and 14, in which at least one line of weakness extends across the upper surface of the support layer and across at least one side portion.

16. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, in which the support frame comprises a recess defined by the upper surface and the at least one side portion, in which the recess is configured to receive a label therein.

17. An adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising a removeable release layer configured for contact with the lower surface of the support layer and/or adhesive layer extending through the at least one opening thereof.

18. A method for manufacturing an adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, the method comprising: obtaining a frangible support layer comprising an upper surface for receiving a label thereon, and an opposed lower surface, in which the frangible support layer comprises a plurality of support layer portions located adjacent to each other and separable from each other by at least one opening or line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the support layer; and obtaining an adhesive layer and securing the adhesive layer to the support layer such that the adhesive layer is configured in use to extend through the at least one opening or line of weakness to adhere the frangible support layer to a contact surface of an item, in which the frangible support layer is configured in use to be moveable between a first untampered position in which the support layer portions provide a continuous support layer extending across the upper surface thereof, and a second tampered position in which at least a pair of adjacent support layer portions are separated from each other along the corresponding at least one opening or line of weakness

19. A kit for an adhesive tamper evident label support as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, the kit comprising: a frangible support layer comprising an upper surface for receiving a label thereon, and an opposed lower surface, in which the frangible support layer comprises a plurality of support layer portions located adjacent to each other and separated from each other by at least one opening or line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the support layer; and an adhesive layer configured to extend through the at least one opening or line of weakness to adhere the frangible support layer to a contact surface of an item; and optionally a label for adhesion with the support layer, such that in use the frangible support layer is configured to be moveable between a first untampered position in which the support layer portions provide a continuous support layer extending across the upper surface thereof, and a second tampered position in which at least a pair of adjacent support layer portions are moved apart from each other along the corresponding at least one opening or line of weakness.

20. An adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a frangible inner layer comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the inner layer comprises at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surface thereof; a first adhesive layer located on the upper surface of the frangible inner layer; and a second adhesive layer located on the lower surface of the frangible inner layer and configured in use to adhere to a contact surface of a vehicle, in which the frangible inner layer is configured such that unintended tampering with or removal of the label from the contact surface causes fragmentation and/or distortion of the frangible inner layer along the one or more lines of weakness to provide a discontinuous front layer enabling at least a portion of the inner layer to be visible therethrough.

21. A label as claimed in claim 20, in which the one or more lines of weakness extend between adjacent inner layer portions of the inner layer.

22. A label as claimed in either of claims 20 and 21, in which the one or more lines of weakness comprise one or more indentations and/or scored lines and/or perforated lines, or any combination thereof extending along at least a portion of the surface.

23. A label as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, in which the first and/or second adhesive layer extend continuously across the corresponding surface of the frangible inner layer between at least one opposed sides thereof.

24. A label as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, in which at least one the first and/or second adhesive layer comprise a plurality of spaced apart, discrete adhesive portions located on the corresponding surface of the inner layer.

25. A label as claimed in claim 24 in which the plurality of discrete adhesive portions of the first adhesive layer are spaced apart from the plurality of discrete adhesive portions of the second adhesive layer in a direction extending within the plane of the frangible inner layer.

26. A label as claimed in claim 25, in which the one or more lines of weakness extend between adjacent inner layer portions of the inner layer, and in which the discrete adhesive portions of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are deposited on alternate inner layer portions of the inner layer.

27. A label as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 26, in which the label further comprises a plastic outer layer located on the first adhesive layer.

28. A label as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 27, further comprising a removeable release layer configured for contact with the second adhesive layer prior to application to a contact surface on a vehicle.

29. A method for manufacturing an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label as claims in any one of claims 20 to 28 comprising: obtaining a frangible inner layer comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the inner layer comprises at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surface thereof; obtaining a first adhesive layer and depositing the first adhesive layer on the upper surface of the frangible inner layer; and obtaining a second adhesive layer and depositing the second adhesive layer on the lower surface of the frangible inner layer such that the second adhesive layer is configured in use to adhere to a contact surface, such that in use the frangible inner layer is configured such that unintended tampering with or removal of the label from the contact surface causes fragmentation and/or distortion of the frangible inner layer along the one or more lines of weakness to provide a discontinuous frangible inner layer.

30. A kit for an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 28 comprising: a frangible inner layer comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the inner layer comprises at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surface thereof; a first adhesive layer configured in use to be located on the upper surface of the frangible inner layer; and a second adhesive layer configured in use to be located on the lower surface of the frangible inner layer such that the second adhesive layer is configured in use to adhere to a contact surface, such that in use the frangible inner layer is configured such that unintended tampering with or removal of the label from the contact surface causes fragmentation and/or distortion of the frangible inner layer along the one or more lines of weakness to provide a discontinuous frangible inner layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0159] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section diagram of an adhesive label according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0160] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of an adhesive label according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0161] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the adhesive label support according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0162] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the adhesive label of FIG. 3;

[0163] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section diagram of an adhesive vehicle registration label according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0164] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section diagram from above of the label of FIG. 5; and

[0165] FIG. 7 is schematic cross-section diagram of an adhesive vehicle registration label according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0166] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tamper evident adhesive label according to one embodiment of the present invention, in this illustrated embodiment, is an adhesive vehicle registration label 1, 1′. It is however to be understood that the tamper evident label may be used for any suitable purpose and is not to be limited to an adhesive vehicle registration label.

[0167] The tamper evident adhesive vehicle registration label 1, 1′ comprises a rear adhesive surface 2, 2′ comprising a rubber adhesive. The rear adhesive surface 2, 2′ is in contact with a removeable release layer 4, 4′. The adhesive label 1, 1′ further comprises an opposed, frangible front layer 6, 6′ in the form of layer of polyester imprinted (not seen). The frangible front layer 6, 6′ comprises a plurality of spaced apart lines of weakness 7, 7′ extending between the upper 3 and lower 5 surfaces thereof.

[0168] The adhesive label 1,1′ further comprises an inner layer 8, 8′ located between the rear adhesive surface 2, 2′ and the frangible front layer 6, 6′.

[0169] In FIG. 1, the inner reflective and/or holographic inner layer 8 comprises: a carrier film 10 having a metalized layer 14 on the upper surface thereof; and glass beads 12 embedded within the metalized layer 14. It can be seen that around 50% of each glass bead 12 is embedded within the metalized layer 14 so as to provide the predetermined reflective properties. It is however to be understood that any suitable percentage of each glass bead may be embedded within the metalized layer in order to provide the desired reflective properties. A further coating layer in the form of an acrylic or vinyl layer 16 is applied over the top of the glass beads 12 and metalized layer 14 to provide the inner reflective and/or holographic layer 8. The coating layer may be clear, or coloured to provide coloured reflective inner layers.

[0170] In FIG. 2, the inner reflective and/or holographic inner layer 8′ comprises a prismatic layer comprising an upper surface comprising a prism array formed from one or more of: acrylic and/or polyester (vinyl).

[0171] In use, the release layer 4, 4′ is removed and the adhesive label 1, 1′ is adhered to a contact surface, such as for example vehicle. The adhesive label 1, 1′ may for example be an adhesive vehicle registration label. The frangible front layer 6, 6′ may be decorated with the registration number of the vehicle. A third party may attempt to remove the adhesive label 1, 1′ from the vehicle without authorisation. During removal of the adhesive label 1, 1′, the label may be subjected to a force or tensile stress greater than the adhesive strength of the rubber adhesive.

[0172] During application of tensile stress to the label 1, 1′, the frangible front layer 6, 6′ may fragment and/or distort along one or more lines of weakness 7, 7′ and thereby providing a discontinuous front layer extending across the label. In particular, the frangible front layer 6, 6′ may distort to ensure that the imprinted images, wording or patterns on the inner reflective and/or holographic layer 8, 8′ are visible therethrough.

[0173] The imprinted markings on the inner layer 8, 8′ may be clearly visible through the fragmented front layer 6, 6′ due to the high reflectivity of the inner layer 8, 8′ ensuring that the tampered adhesive label would be immediately recognisable to third parties, such as for example law enforcement officers.

[0174] The label 1, 1′ of the present invention may therefore be used to provide a label which provides clear, visible indications when the label has been tampered.

[0175] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the adhesive label support 101 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a support frame 102 comprising a frangible support layer 104 comprising an upper surface 106 for receiving a label (not shown) thereon, an opposed lower surface 108, and four spaced apart openings 110a-d extending therebetween. The four opening 110a-d are substantially aligned and are evenly spaced along the support layer 104. It is however to be understood that the support 101 may comprise any suitable number of openings in any suitable location on the support 101 and with any suitable spacing between openings of weakness.

[0176] The label support 101 further comprises four spaced apart lines of weakness, in the form of lines of perforations, 112a-d. The four lines of weakness 112a-d are substantially equally spaced and extend parallel to each other. It is however to be understood that the label support 101 may comprise any suitable number of lines of weakness, and each line of weakness may be located in any suitable direction and may extend in any suitable direction. For example, the lines of weakness may be irregularly spaced along the support layer 104. It is also to be understood that the lines of weakness may be provided by any suitable means, such as for examples grooves, indentations, score lines or openings. The lines of weakness extend between adjacent label support portions 122a-e.

[0177] The support frame 102 further comprises a continuous side portion 114 extending substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 106 of the support layer 104. The continuous side portion 114 extends from and substantially surrounds the peripheral edge 116 of the support layer 104. It is however to be understood that the support frame 102 may comprise any suitable number of side portions located at any suitable location and extending at any suitable angle, and in any suitable direction, from the support layer 104.

[0178] The side portion 114 and the upper surface 106 of the support layer 104 define a recess 118 for receiving a label (not shown) thereon.

[0179] An adhesive layer 120 is located adjacent the upper surface 106 of the support layer 104. The adhesive layer 120 extends through each of the openings 110a-d and lines of weakness.

[0180] In use, the support 101 is adhered to a contact surface (not shown). The lower surface 108 is positioned adjacent a contact surface (not shown). The adhesive layer 120 extends through each opening 110a-d to adhere to the contact surface to hold the support frame 102 and the support layer 104 is position relative to the contact surface. A label is received within the recess 118 and secured therein to the adhesive layer 120.

[0181] A third party may attempt to remove the label support 101 from the contact surface on for example a vehicle without authorisation. During removal of the label support 101, the support layer 104 may be subjected to a force or tensile stress greater than the strength of the material, especially along one or more lines of weakness 112a-d, of the support layer 104 and/or the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer 120.

[0182] During application of tensile stress to the label 101, the frangible support layer 104 fragments along one or more line of weakness 112a-d providing at least one pair of separated adjacent, support layer portions 122a-e thereby providing a discontinuous support layer 104. Fragmentation of the support layer 104 caused distortion and/or fragmentation of the attached label providing a clear indication that the label support has been tampered with.

[0183] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the adhesive vehicle registration label 201 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner layer 202 comprising a upper surface 204 and a lower surface 206. The inner layer 202 is substantially rectangular in shape. The inner layer 202 has a first pair of spaced apart, opposed transverse edges 208a, 208b and a second pair of spaced apart, opposed longitudinal edges 210a, 210b. It is however to be understood that the inner layer 202 may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions and is not to be limited to being rectangular in shape.

[0184] The inner layer 202 is reflective and contains markings corresponding to the registration details of the vehicle. The inner layer 202 is also opaque meaning that in an untampered configuration the user cannot see through the inner layer 202.

[0185] The inner layer 202 comprises a plurality of spaced apart lines of weakness 212 extending between the upper and lower surfaces 204, 206 thereof. The lines of weakness 212 divide the inner layer 202 into discrete inner layer portions 202a, 202b, 202c. The lines of weakness 212 are provided by perforations. It is however to be understood that the lines of weakness 212 may be provided by one or more indentations and/or scored lines and/or perforated lines, or any combination thereof extending along at least a portion of the surface. The lines of weakness 212 are uniformly spaced apart along the length (i.e. longitudinal axis extending between opposite edges 208a, 208b) of the inner layer 202. Each line of weakness 212 extends in a zigzag configuration between the second pair of opposed longitudinal edges 210a, 210b. Each line of weakness 212 extends substantially between the second pair of opposed longitudinal edges 210a, 210b. It is however to be understood that the lines of weakness 212 may be provided in any suitable configuration, orientation and/or arrangement on the inner layer 202.

[0186] A first adhesive layer 214 comprising a rubber adhesive is deposited on the upper surface 204. A second adhesive layer 216 comprising a rubber adhesive is deposited on the lower surface 206. It is to be understood that the first and/or second adhesive layer 214, 216 may comprise any suitable adhesive.

[0187] The first adhesive layer 214 is deposited as a plurality of spaced apart adhesive portions 214a-g. Each adhesive portion 214a-g is provided as a strip of adhesive extending between the second pair of longitudinal edges 210a, 210b. Each adhesive portion 214a-g is configured to be deposited on the upper surface 204 of a separate inner layer portion 202a, 202c, 202e, 202g, 202i, 202k, 202m.

[0188] The second adhesive layer 216 is deposited as a plurality of spaced apart adhesive portions 216a-f. Each adhesive portion 216a-f is provided as a strip of adhesive extending between the second pair of longitudinal edges 210a, 210b. Each adhesive portion 216a-f is configured to be deposited on the lower surface 206 a separate inner layer portion 202b, 202d, 202f, 202h, 202j, 202l.

[0189] It is to be understood that the first and/or second adhesive layers 214, 216 may be provided in any suitable configuration and/or arrangement on the corresponding upper and lower surfaces 204, 206 and is not to be limited to the arrangement illustrated in the Figures. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the first and second adhesive layers 214, 216 are provided as a continuous layer between opposing edges 208a, 208b of the inner layer.

[0190] An outer layer 218 is secured to the first adhesive layer 214. A removable release layer 220 is releasably secured to the second adhesive layer 216.

[0191] In use, the removable release layer 220 is removed from the second adhesive layer 216. The adhesive label 201 is aligned with the contact surface of the vehicle. The second adhesive layer 216 contacts and adheres to (by the application of pressure) the contact surface of the vehicle.

[0192] A third party may attempt to remove the adhesive label 201 from the vehicle without authorisation. During removal of the adhesive label 201 the label may be subjected to a force or tensile stress greater than the strength of the lines of weakness 212 of the inner layer 202. During application of tensile stress to the label 201, the frangible inner layer 202 fragments and/or distorts along one or more lines of weakness 212 and thereby providing a discontinuous upper surface 204 extending across the inner layer 202. The label 201 of the present invention may therefore be used to provide a label which provides clear, visible indications when the label has been tampered.

[0193] During excessive application of tensile stress to the label 201, the lines of weakness 212 may separate completely thereby fragmenting the inner layer 202. The outer layer 218, the first adhesive layer 214, and one or more inner layers portions 202a-c may separate from one or more separate inner layer portions 202a-c and the second adhesive layer 216 thereby ensuring that only part of the label 201 is removed from the contact surface of the vehicle and ensuring a portion of the label 201 remains on the contact surface of the vehicle. The label 201 of the present invention therefore makes it difficult, if not impossible, to remove a complete inner layer 202 of the label 201 from a contact surface of a vehicle thereby ensuring the label 201 cannot be transferred and reused on a different vehicle.